The opening of Japan's borders to the Western world in 1868 affected every aspect of Japanese life.

Even traditional Japanese art forms felt the Western influence; in this Ikebana was no exception.The import of numerous varieties of new flowers and plants, hitherto unknown to the Japanese,challenged the arrangers, who for centuries had been bound by strict formal rules.

Unshin Ohara, who was a sculptor, created his own container, which allowed him to add thesenew materials while preserving the spirit of traditional Ikebana.

He established the basis of a new school, which came to be known as the Ohara School of Ikebana,proclaiming the birth of modern flower arranging.